Raynors HCA 2015-08
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2015
Pair of war-date Union soldier's letters, 11pp. 8vo. & 4to., written by Pvt. H. Arthur White [WIA Drewry's Bluff, Va., 5/16/64], Co. H., 25th Mass. Vols., Camp Oliver, New Bern, June 22, 1863, in part: "…I shall have to contend myself with the thought that…I can aid in securing you…a peaceful home…and myself a country which is able to give protection and security to its inhabitants…perhaps the cost of my life will not be in vain. My whole heart is in the cause and I mean to see this thing through. I cannot help it but I feel it a duty. Some thought at first…that I was under some local excitement or carried away by the pomp and glitter of war…what do they think now…there is something to be done besides reading war in the papers and discussing battle around the counters of a store…if the people of the north reach a disagreeable treaty with the rebels there never can be peace, a long and bloody war will follow…if we do not establish our government…death seems to me like a glorious victory. I feel as I do when after passing through a bloody fight and cheer on cheer announces to me that we have won…as I would stand by a dying comrade's side and feel light hearted yet sad…I was detailed at Head Quarters, 18th Army Corps in the Medical Directors office…but I prefer to remain with my regiment and my officers urged me…to return as they say they cannot spare me…Sister Marie write me inquiring if I want a commission, hinting that on eight be got…I have not the least objection of taking one…I can refer you to my commanding officers both past and present from whom I could get certificates…recommendations could be had of Col. Pickett, Moulton, Sprague, Major Harkness & others… H. A. White". The second letter is dated Dec. 16, 1862 while White was in NYC returning to the front from furlough, reading in part: "…the last I heard from the 25th was that the four companies H., F., G., K were still on picket but under orders to march at short notice…there was a host of troops in New Bern…I am needed and my duty calls me to my company…Arthur W." One original transmittal cover is included. Minor toning, else
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